Parking at UW Tacoma

UW Tacoma is an urban campus and parking can be a challenge at times. There are a number of paid parking options on and around campus, as well as some free parking options a short walk or light rail ride away. The Campus Parking Map has details on each of our on-campus parking lots and nearby street parking.

Campus Parking Map

Free parking options

  • Limited free street parking is available on and to the south of S 21st Street and on and to the north of Market Street. (Street parking is managed by the City of Tacoma - verify prices and time limits before parking!)
  • Tacoma Dome Sounder Station parking garage has free parking, and is just a quick ride away on the T-Line (fare is free with a U-PASS! Check your eligibility here.)

Paid parking options

  • Hourly parking options are available on and around campus
  • Parking permits are sold for several on-campus parking lots
  • Check around for other paid parking lots around Tacoma with easy access to the T-Line

Parking tips

  • Schedule your classes so that you are on-campus fewer days each week. Only on campus M/W/F or T/Th/F? Get a half-week permit!
  • Arrive on campus before 11am or after 1 pm to avoid the busiest time of day
  • Carpool with a friend or co-worker - you can even add both of your vehicles to a parking permit and take turns driving (just make sure you only park 1 vehicle in the lot at a time).
  • Take advantage of your U-PASS and use public transit options for free!

Don't forget

Your license plate is your proof of payment

No matter where you park on campus, your license plate serves as your proof of payment.

  • Make sure you enter your license plate information accurately in the Pay By Phone app (hourly parking) and in the Parking Portal (permit parking)
  • A properly-mounted license plate must be visible at all times. If your vehicle's front plate is absent or placed on the dashboard, do not back-in to your parking stall.

 

Set up your Parking Portal account to get citation email reminders - never get another late fee!

We highly recommend that you log in to the Parking Portal (use your UW NetID and password) and add your vehicle to your account! This way, if you receive a parking citation, you will get reminders emailed to your UW email address. 

Never miss the change to submit an appeal, or have to pay another late fee! (instructions here)